Best ski resorts in the U.S. and Canada

By Abigail Wise, David Jefferys and Nina Kokotas Hahn

December 12, 2017, 3:16:30 PM EST

Unsure about where to ski next? Here,Condé Nast Traveler readers rate their favorite ski resorts in North America—think the best trails, lifts and lines, and spots for après-ski.

Before you head out to hit the slopes, find out which mountains came out on top in the 2017 Readers' Choice Awards.

Taos Ski Valley, NM

Famously advanced terrain spilling down from a 12,450-foot summit has always been the draw to mystic Taos, where relaxed, spirited, funky, and cool all go hand-in-hand. The resort kicked off a $300 million renovation two years ago, and it has since resulted in a new chairlift to the expert bowls of Kachina Peak, a renovated children’s center and new beginner areas, and dramatic conservation efforts, which have made it the only ski resort in the world to achieve B-Corp certification, a mark of environmental excellence.

Where to stay: The Blake at Taos Ski Valley, an 80-room alpine guesthouse that opened in February with ski-in/ski-out access at Taos’ base, a spa with treatments inspired by New Mexico’s native cultures, and Restaurant 192, where charred Brussels sprouts with tamari and cilantro are a must.

East Coast skiers dig the backcountry culture and 100-plus acres of gladed (tree) terrain at this Northern Vermont ski resort, not to mention its above-average annual snowfall at 350 inches. Families can’t get enough of the ice area as well as the massive indoor waterpark with a double barrel Flowrider and lazy river. This month, look forward to the opening of the new 15,000 Clips and Reels recreation center with its 142-seat cinema draught house, arcade with head-to-head basketball and bowling, and climbing facility.

Where to stay: One of 60 new-in-December Golf & Mountain Cottages, primly positioned next to Jay Peak’s new rec center.